guide to a greener oven

For those without a self-cleaning oven, this odious chore usually requires nasty and toxic sprays that should only be handled by a fully outfitted HAZMAT squad. But there is a better and greener way to keep your oven sparkling clean. Here are a few tips taken from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning, by Mary Findley:

• Use tools like sponges and plastic scrapers and products such as vinegar or baking soda. You will also need an orange-based concentrated cleaner, but be sure to pick one that doesn’t contain petroleum distillates.
• Start by scraping as much caked-on gunk from the bottom of the oven as possible.
• Make a paste with the orange concentrate and the baking soda, and spread the paste inside the oven, starting on the bottom and working upward; let sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Wipe off the residue paste with paper towels or old newspapers; then clean the inside of the oven with a terry cloth soaked in vinegar, repeating as needed.
• Rinse all interior surfaces again using water and a sponge.
• Turn on the oven for 10 minutes; but turn it off immediately if you see smoke. Let cool, and rinse again with vinegar, followed by water.
• To prevent future spills, cover pans in the oven if possible. Do not line the oven bottom with aluminum foil, because its byproducts could seep into your food.